Why hands and feet cool first

Short answer: When the body cools, it protects the inner organs first. Blood vessels in the hands and feet narrow, the warmth stays in the core, and fingers and toes cool first. It is a normal protection, not a sign that something is wrong.

The core comes first

Heart, lungs and liver must stay close to thirty-seven degrees to work, and the body defends that temperature before it worries about the rest. Hands and feet can cool for a short time without danger. The body trades a little comfort at the edges for safety in the middle.

Blood carries the warmth

Heat moves around the body with the blood. When the supply to a finger is closed down, the finger stops receiving warmth and cools quickly towards its surroundings. That explains why your body can feel warm while your hands are cold. For cold feet, see bamboo socks for women.

The vessels narrow

In the cold, small muscles in the vessel walls make blood vessels narrower, especially those near the skin in fingers and toes. Less blood then reaches the edges of the body, and more stays in the middle. The reaction is automatic, and you cannot control it.

Why a jumper helps cold feet

Once the core is warm enough, the body opens the blood supply to hands and feet again. A warm upper body can therefore warm the feet, even if you never touch them. Put on a jumper or blanket before adding more socks if your whole body feels cold.

Head and neck matter too

The head gives off heat, and the core reacts to the temperature of the head. That is why a hat or scarf can make the whole body feel warmer. It is ordinary temperature regulation, not a special trick. A hat makes a cold walk more comfortable for hands and feet.

Why fingers can turn white

In strong cold, blood vessels can close almost completely, and the skin loses its colour. Fingers turn white or pale until the blood returns, and then they may tingle or sting. It often passes once you are somewhere warm. If it happens often, talk to your doctor.

Movement and an extra layer

The fastest fix is to move the body and add a layer on the torso, not only on the hands. Walking, arm swings or a few squats raise heat production, and blood finds its way out to fingers and toes again. Do not stand still in the cold for long.

Feet in everyday life

Even though the body steers the blood, clothing can make a difference for the feet. For short walks in trainers there are bamboo footies for men, and if you want a sock that stays put, see bamboo compression stockings. If you wear them for health reasons, talk to your doctor.

When the cold does not go away

Most cold hands and feet are a normal reaction to cold. If you are freezing all the time, have pain, notice colour changes in the skin or lose feeling, it is sensible to have it checked by your doctor. Clothing helps comfort, not diagnosis. Ask early.

Frequently asked questions

Is that why you should wear a hat

Yes, partly to keep warmth in, partly because the core reacts to the temperature of the head. A hat therefore also helps hands and feet, especially when you stand still.